The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1887-01-06

Of her death, or heard of it. end sup
posed it to be mine. just before hel
illness my good Uncle Warburton came
to my country home, and finding me 1
poor and friendless orphan, adopted mt
as his own child, and gave me hi,
namc.'
.And was it in that little country
town that you knew Gcrvase Living.
stone as a boy?' inquired Pauline.
"Ycs. He had been sent to the
house Of some old family servant for hi.
health, and he remained there for two
years. while his parents were in Europe.
Oh! Pauline, he was the noblest, kind.
est, most generous-hearted boy! If yo,
will only help me now to save him.
..Ir' exclaimed Pauline.
'You.' replied May, caressing and
kissing her. ..Oh, don't refuse me-
dear. Papa is so stern and unforgiyinp
about such things. He would think
Gervase-I mean Mr.. Livingstone-no,
worth saving, because Of this one fault.
1t is vain to hope for help from him
But if you will only assist ne. dear
good Pauline, have such plan!''
..Indeed.' said Pauline, laughing.
$50 | am to be bribed with a kiss.
Well, let me hear your plan for the
benefit Of Geryasc Il mean Mr.. Living.
stone-and we will sec what can be
done.''
Il shall need your brothers aid, too,
but that You must secure. And oh
both Of you must promise to keep nv
secret from every onc." said May.
Then leaning her cheek against
Pauline's she whispered, in the silence
of the midnight, her innocent plot fol
the redemption of a human soul.
Pauline Danforth's stay in Boston
was but short one, and on her return
to new York it was noticed by hel
escort that she carried in her own hand,
and for the whole distance. a small
ebony box. mounted in silver, and
fastened with silver lock and key. "A
jewel box,' as he supposed.
On the evening of her arrival at the
home in Fifth Avenue, after the family
greetings were over, Pauline sought !,
private interview with her brother
James. and, after a long explanation
left the ebony box in his care.
MAY is a trump, Pauline, and you
are another" was the young man,
somewhat undignified exclamation. Al
he brushed his cambric handkerchief
across his eyes. sAnd Livingstone il
well worth saving, and the little box
shall be in his possession tomorrow
evening before he sleeps
Secretly, James, remember" said
Pauline. He must not know from whom
the gift comes, till he has shown himfell
worthy Of it.
Trust me for that replied her
brother. ..If there were more women
on earth like You and May, women
ready to use their influence over men
in this fashion, We should be great
deal better than we are, my dear"
So James carried of his prize to his
own room.
The next evening party Of gay
friends met, as they were often in the
habit Of meeting, at the artists rooms,
Wine flowed freely. and the pictures
on the wall could scarcely be seen for
the cloud of smoke that rose from i,
dozen cigars.
When the revel was at its height
James Danforth rose from his chair and
held out his hand to the host:
..Good-by, Livingstone"
What! are you going! So soon?'
said the artist, surprised.
Yes. Going for good and all, III,
boy
What do You mean?'
Il mean," said Danforth, seriously
..that there is time for all things, ant
the time for reflection has now come t.
me. We are all OH the downward
track, boys-You know it as well as
An angel has warned me, and l an
going to stop now while can. Follow
my example if You have any regard fol
yourselves, or for the mothers, sisters
and wives at home who love you
Good-by. boys. Good-by, Gcrvase. Ishal
join you here no more"
He left the room. They all sat gaz
ing at each other in silence. His word
had struck home to every heart, as h,
had intended them to do. One aftel
another of the now quiet party stol,
away with some excuse. In half ii
hour after James Danforth had close.
the door behind him the artist sat alon,
by his fireside. leaning his head upol
his hand, and gazing sadly into tn
burning Goals.
..The wlves-the mothers--the sister
at home love yon,' he muttercs
to himself. ..They did well to obey til,
call. would have obeyed it, in NJ,
turn, but who lives now to care TO
me? Ny mother and little May ar
both in their graves; sister l have non,
wife l shall never have! All, wha
does it matter? A short life and mer
~ one for me, and no one will she'd
tear over its ending. I'll have anothe
glass of wine. What's this?''
In reaching up to the mantcl-shel
for the glass he had left there. his han.
struck against the little ebony chest
which stood in the place of honor, di
rectly under little water-color sketcl
made from memory Of the long-los
child. MAY"
The silver key was in the silver lock
The artist turned it. wondering how
the beautiful toy came there without hi
knowledge. His surprise increase.
when the lid flew back. displaying
beautiful drinking cup of gold, elabor
ately chased, and enriched with rubie
beneath the curving brim.
What beautiful thing!" exclaime,
the artist. lifting the cup from its be.
of rosc-colored velvet. "Who can hav,
sent such Il gift? Did those fellow
bring it secretly with them to night.
wonder? Anyway, it is perfect gem
and Ill fill it to the brim with cham
pagne, and see if | can drive thes'
melancholy thoughts away
Approaching the table, he lifted tn,